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Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behavior 3B: The Brain

1. Lesion- Tissue destruction; a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.
2. Electroencephalogram (EEG)- An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
3. Computed Tomography (CT)- Series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a compsite representation of a slice through the body also known as CAT scans.
4. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)- A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.
6. Functional MRI (fMRI)- A technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function.
7. Brainsteam- The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainsteam is responsible for automatic survival functions.
8. Medulla- The base of the brainsteam; controls heartbeat and breathing.
9. Reticular Formation- A nerve network in the brainsteam that plays an important role in controlling arousal.
10. Thalamus- The brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainsteam; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
11. Cerebellum- the "little brain" at the rear of the brainsteam; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance.
12. Limbic System- Doughnut-shaped neural system located below the cerbral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives,
13. Amygdala- Two lima bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.
14. Hypothalamus- A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities, helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.
15. Cerebral Cortex- The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispeheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.
16. Glial Cells- Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.
17. Frontal Lobes- Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements.
18. Parietal Lobes- Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.
19. Occipital Lobes- Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.
20. Temporal Lobes- Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.
21. Motor Cortex- An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.
22. Sensory Cortex- Area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.
23. Association Areas- Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
24. Aphasia- Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca's area or to the Wernicke's area.
25. Broca's Area- Controls language expression - an area, usually in the left frontal lobe, that direxts the muscle movements involved in speech.
26. Wernicke's Area- Controls language reception - a brai narea involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe.
27. Plasticity- The brain's ability to change especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building ne wpathways based on experience.
28. Neurogenesis- The formation of new neurons.
29. Corpus Callosum- The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.
30. Split Brain- A condition from surgery that isolates the brain's tw ohemispheres by cutting the fibers.
31. Consciousness- Our awareness of ourselevs and our environment.
32. Cognitive Neuroscience- The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition.
33. Dual Processing- The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks.